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Statement on Diversity

Friday, 2017, February 24

To the University community:

Diversity stands with integrity and academic excellence as a cornerstone of University culture. The University promotes an inclusive and welcoming environment that embraces the full spectrum of human attributes, perspectives, and disciplines.

We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment toward LGBTQ faculty, staff, or students and continue to welcome them as members of our community.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Education issued a "Dear Colleague” letter to withdraw prior statements of policy and guidance related to the protection of transgender students. The prior guidance issued by President Obama’s administration cited Title IX as the basis for requiring public school districts to allow transgender students to use the restrooms that match their gender identity. In the recent letter, the Justice and Education departments indicated they needed time to “further and more completely consider” the issue.

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos issued a statement saying the department’s Office for Civil Rights "remains committed to investigating all claims of discrimination, bullying, and harassment against those who are most vulnerable in our schools,” and that she considers "protecting all students, including LGBTQ students, not only a key priority for the department, but for every school in America.”

UVA is not changing its policy and will continue to include gender identity and sexual orientation in its non-discrimination policy.

Any student, faculty or staff member with questions or concerns may contact the University’s Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights. Contact information follows this message.

Please join us in expressing support to the members of our LGBTQ community who are essential to the vitality of our University.